The Board has found that the Veteran's lung disorder did not originate in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to his active service. The claim for residuals of a right hand injury was previously addressed, while the prostate disability claim remains pending due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to ionizing radiation.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's emphysema did not have its onset during active service or within one year thereafter and is more likely related to his long history of smoking. The Board also noted that there was no sufficient evidence to support a claim for prostate disability due to ionizing radiation exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- lung disorder (emphysema), residuals of a right hand injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 13, 2018
- Citation
- 1809242
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1809242.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bipolar disorder and right ear hearing loss are granted as service-connected.,Right hand injury residuals are denied as not related to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bipolar disorder has been granted a rating of 100 percent, the maximum schedular rating.,Service connection for insomnia is granted. The Veteran's sleep disorder is secondary to his service-connected bipolar disorder.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions addressing the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuity of care for his right hand and right ankle injuries.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of a right hand and ankle injuries due to insufficient responses to the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuity of care.
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